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Valley Water's 2026 Summer Internship

Applications are now open on our Careers page. We’re excited to offer 30+ internship opportunities this year. Applicants may apply to more than one position; however, responses to supplemental questions should be tailored to each specific internship.

Valley Water's 2026 College Summer Internship Program offers students nationwide a chance to gain practical experience while exploring careers in the water industry. Each intern will have a Valley Water staff mentor and will receive professional development training, participate in networking events, and prepare a capstone presentation at the end of the program. Although some positions in the program will follow a hybrid format, with a mix of in-office and remote work based on business needs, other roles may require interns to work on-site full-time in a lab, office, or field setting, as specified in the job postings.

Intern compensation is $28.27 per hour.

2026 Summer Internship Business Areas:

• Accounting, Finance, Budgeting
• Communications (Graphic Design)
• Construction Contract & Support
• Electrician
• Engineering (Civil, Construction, Water Resources, Restoration, Software)
• Environmental Health & Safety
• Environmental Planning & Policy
• Government Relations
• Grants & Research
• Human Resources (HRIS)
• Information Technology (IT) - Software Services & Division Deputy's Office
• Laboratory Services (Chemistry/Microbiology/Biology)
• Office of the CEO
• Project Management - Office of Office of Resiliency, Engagement, & Development Initiatives (REDI)
• Water Conservation

For eligibility, program dates, a recruitment timeline, and FAQs please see our external page: https://www.valleywater.org/paid-summer-internships

ENGINEER I/II – Two Positions Available 

Public Works Department

Utilities Department
LEVEL I $8,749.75 - $12,311.67 Monthly Plus Excellent Benefits
LEVEL II $9,665.08 - $13,599.75 Monthly Plus Excellent Benefits
 

Additional steps (Step F, Step G, and Step H) included in the salary range listed above are available to employees in this job classification after completion of five years of service (Step F), ten years of service (Step G), and 15 years of service (Step H), and one year at the prior step, and good performance evaluation.  Initial salary placement is typically at the entry point of the range unless the candidate has prior Civil Engineer experience which may warrant initial placement at a higher step.

Opportunity to work a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off. 

This is a full-time on-site position that actively supports department operations. 

The City of Gilroy is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Join our team! 

ABOUT THE POSITIONS
The City of Gilroy is currently recruiting for a full-time level I or II (depending on qualifications and experience) Civil Engineer to provide technical assistance within the Public Works Department.  The position is currently focused on the Land Development program but is anticipated to also assist the Capital Projects team.  In Public Works, as an Engineer I/II, you will play a significant role in reviewing, coordinating, and delivering infrastructure improvements associated with private and public development projects. 

In Utilities, you’ll play a key role in developing the necessary infrastructure to provide safe and reliable water and wastewater systems for the City of Gilroy. You will be part of a collaborative team that plans and implements water and wastewater capital projects.  

In these key positions, you will work under the direct supervision of a Senior Civil Engineer and will perform professional or sub-professional engineering work in the field and office. For Public Works, assignments will include plan review, engineering analysis, and construction support related to Land Development and Capital Projects. Assignments in the Utilities Department will involve planning, design, and construction for a wide variety of water and wastewater infrastructure geared towards transforming and modernizing the City of Gilroy.
 

CANDIDATE PERSPECTIVE
Working for the City of Gilroy offers more than just a job – it provides the opportunity to build a long-term, meaningful career in public service. As a member of a collaborative and supportive organization, you will gain hands on experience with diverse land development and utilities projects that directly shape the community you serve. The City is committed to professional growth, offering mentorship, training, and opportunities for advancement as your skills and responsibilities expand. Employees are encouraged to innovate, take ownership of their work, and grow alongside the City, making Gilroy and ideal place to develop a rewarding career with lasting impact.

A completed online employment application is REQUIRED!

WE WILL NOT ACCEPT RESUMES IN LIEU OF APPLICATION WORK HISTORY

Tenatative Oral Panel Interviews scheduled for March 3, 2026

Incomplete or late applications will NOT be accepted.

You must enter all relevant work history in to this application system, resumes will NOT be considered in lieu of the required employment application information.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. 

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under immediate supervision (Wastewater Operator I) or general supervision (Wastewater Operator II), performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in the maintenance and operation of the City's sanitary sewer system and wastewater treatment plant.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Wastewater Operator I - This is the entry level class in the Wastewater Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Wastewater Operator II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series. Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters related to established procedures and guidelines as are positions allocated to the II level. Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Wastewater Operator II - This is the full journey level class within the Wastewater Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Wastewater Operator I by the assignment of the full range of duties assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and they are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Operate and adjust controls on treatment plant equipment and machinery, such as valves, pumps and motors.

2. Grease and clean plant equipment; read and interpret meters and gauges; regulate plant effluent.

3. Monitor, repair, and maintain wastewater system lift stations; remove debris; disassemble and clean pumps; perform minor repairs when necessary.

4. Respond to emergency calls as needed; locate problems and operate sewer cleaning equipment to clear stoppages. 

5. Collect samples and perform various lab tests.

6. Inspect and make repairs to plant equipment.

7. Perform general plant maintenance work such as sweeping, cleaning, sanding and painting of equipment and facilities.

8. Assist in operating video inspection system.

9. Perform general grounds maintenance work.

10. Rod sanitary sewers; install and repair sanitary sewer laterals and trunk lines.

11. Enter and work in permitted confined spaces and underground trenches.

12. Locate, mark and notify sewer lines per USA (underground service alert) requirements.

13. Observe and enforce safety precautions. 

14. May temporarily be assigned to work with other City departments as needed.

15. Operate trucks, tractors and other motorized equipment of comparable size and complexity.

16. Perform related duties as required. 

Overview:

Valley Water is seeking an Associate Water Resources Specialist to provide professional-level analytical and technical support for complex water supply planning and imported water initiatives critical to Valley Water’s long-term water reliability.

This position will provide support in the following areas:

• Development of water supply planning projects, including the Sites Reservoir Project, Sisk Dam Raise Project, and groundwater banking initiatives.
• Development and administration of water transfer agreements and other agreements needed to flexibly convey water to Valley Water facilities.
• Review, analysis, and comment on Bay-Delta regulatory issues affecting imported water supplies.

The Associate Water Resources Specialist works with a high degree of competence and judgment on assigned analyses, studies, and project components, while operating within established program direction and in coordination with senior staff and project leads.

Our Commitment: 
We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

About Valley Water:
Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

 

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct studies, investigations, and analyses related to water supply planning, imported water management, regulatory processes, and related water resources issues.
• Research, collect, analyze, and interpret scientific, technical, regulatory, and policy information to support water supply projects and programs.
• Prepare technical memoranda, reports, analyses, and briefing materials related to water supply operations, planning, modeling, and regulatory compliance.
• Review and analyze water supply planning documents, environmental and regulatory reports, contracts, and related materials; prepare comments and recommendations under established guidance.
• Support the development, administration, and monitoring of water supply agreements, transfer arrangements, and related documentation.
• Apply water resources principles and practices to evaluate project alternatives, identify risks and issues, and recommend solutions.
• Coordinate with internal divisions and external agencies to support project implementation, data sharing, and information exchange.
• Serve as a technical resource in assigned areas of water resources expertise.
• Participate in meetings, technical advisory groups, and project teams related to imported water and water supply planning.
• Maintain project documentation, databases, and files using specialized software and tools.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience:

• Four (4) years of professional-level experience with responsibility for water supply planning or distribution, environmental permitting, groundwater management, mitigation of natural resource impacts, hydrogeology, or closely related work.
• Experience supporting complex projects involving regulatory review, technical analysis, or policy evaluation.
• Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Project and program management, including budgeting, scheduling, and contract administration.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex and evolving water resources issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment consistent with policy and best practices.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Principles and practices of water resources management, groundwater and surface water systems, and natural resource management.
• Numerical modeling, forecasting, risk analysis, and statistical analysis methods.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies related to water resources and environmental protection.
• Water supply operations, groundwater monitoring, contamination and protection, and water quality standards.
• Project and program budgeting, funding, and contract administration practices.
• Natural resource restoration principles, including aquatic, riparian, wetland, and habitat improvement projects.

Ideal Training and Education:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in water resources management, environmental science, natural resources management, planning, engineering, geology, or a related field.
• Experience: Four (4) years of professional-level experience related to environmental permitting, water supply planning or distribution, groundwater management, hydrogeology, or mitigation of natural resource impacts.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite. 

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION

Meetings

The Commission meets every other month on the 4th Thursday, with the exception of November.  For additional information, contact the Contra Costa County Library, at (925) 608-7730 or visit the website at https://ccclib.org/commission/

Location
Meetings usually take place on Zoom or at the Contra Costa County Library Administration, 75 Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill, Administration Conference Room.

Background
The Contra Costa County Library Commission was established by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors in March, 1991. The Commission was created:

1. To serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian.
2. To provide a community linkage to the County Librarian.
3. To establish a forum for the community to express its views regarding the goals and operations of the County Library.
4. To assist the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian to provide library services based on assessed public need.
5. To develop and recommend proposals to the Board of Supervisors and County Librarian for the betterment of the County Library including, but not limited to, such efforts as insuring a stable and adequate funding level for the libraries in the County.

The Library Commission is composed of 29 members:

• 18 members representing the cities/towns in Contra Costa County (and appointed by the City/Town Councils)
• 5 members representing Contra Costa County, each member of the Board of Supervisors appointing one commissioner
• 5 members who are special representatives from the following organizations:  Superintendent of Schools, Central Labor Council, Contra Costa Council, Contra Costa Youth Commission, and Friends Council

PARKS, RECREATION AND ARTS COMMISSION

A Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission of the Town of Danville is hereby established.  The Commission shall consist of eight (8) regular members, one (1) of which shall be a Youth Commissioner as defined in Section 2-10.12 of this chapter, and one (1) alternate member, all of whom shall be appointed by the Town Council.

Qualifications

All members shall by experience, training, education, occupation or avocation, have demonstrated knowledge of and interest in park, recreation, cultural, or arts facilities, or leisure and human services.

Term of Office

With the exception of the Youth Commissioner, the term of office of each member of the Commission shall be four (4) years unless otherwise determined by the Town Council. The term of each Youth Commissioner shall be two (2) years. Each member shall serve until their successor is appointed and qualified.

Removal or Vacancy

A member of the Commission may be removed by a majority vote of the Council. A vacancy is filled in the same manner as the original appointment. A person appointed to fill a vacancy serves for the remainder of the unexpired term.

Time and Place of Regular Meeting

The Commission shall hold at least one (1) regular monthly meeting. The Commission shall fix the time and place of its regular meetings by resolution or by-law. Special meetings may be called as necessary. All meetings of the Commission are open to the public and the Commission shall give notice of its meetings as required by law.

No Compensation for Members; Reimbursement of Expenses

Members of the Commission shall not receive compensation for attendance at Commission meetings, but are entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred in the course of their duties upon approval by the Town Council.

Chair and Vice-Chair

The Commission shall elect a Chair and Vice-Chair from among its members. The Chair and Vice-Chair serve for a term of one (1) year and until the successor of each is elected and qualified.

Adoption of Rules

The Commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of its business and shall keep a public record of its resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations.

Quorum. Four (4) members of the Commission constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Duties of Officers of the Commission

 a.   Chair. The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Commission. The Chair shall appoint all committees and shall perform all the duties necessary or incidental to the office.

b.   Vice-Chair.  The Vice-Chair is Chair in the absence or inability of the Chair to act.

Duties and Powers of the Commission

The Park and Leisure Services Commission shall:

  a.   Be the primary advisory body to the Town Council on acquiring and developing park, recreation, cultural, and arts facilities and providing recreation and arts programs for Town residents;

   b.   Review the Town’s Parks, Recreation and Arts Strategic Plan and recommend steps to implement or revise the Plan as needed;

   c.   Hold public meetings, conduct surveys, and use other reasonable methods to determine community park, recreation, and arts needs and recommend actions to meet those needs to the Town Council;

   d.   Review site plans for public parks, recreation, art, or cultural facilities and recommend plans and specifications to the Town Council for additions and improvements;

   e.   Review and comment on all subdivisions and other development proposals in which land is proposed for dedication, credit for private open space is requested, projects on school lands or other significant park, creek, trail, or open space concerns exist;

   f.   Review and comment on the annual implementation of the Capital Improvement Program;

   g.   Recommend to the Town Council for adoption facility use policies including fees, restrictions, priorities and other concerns and review the adopted policies and fees annually recommending changes as needed.

    h.   Consider improvements to the condition of Town recreation facilities annually; and

    i.   Perform other duties prescribed by the Town Council.

Qualifications and Role of Youth Commissioner

The Town Council shall appoint a Youth Commissioner to serve on the Commission to represent the interests of Danville youth. The Youth Commissioner shall be a Danville resident of high school age. The Youth Commissioner shall have the same obligations and authority of all other commissioners.

Residency Requirements

All members of the Commission shall be residents of the Town of Danville.

Commission Alternate

The Town Council may, at its discretion, appoint one alternate to the Commission. The alternate member of the Commission shall attend all meetings of the Commission. If a regular member of the Commission is absent or required to abstain from all or any part of a Commission meeting, the alternate member shall participate in place of the absent member, with all rights and privileges of a regular member, including the authority to vote on matters before the Commission.

If you have questions or need additional information on Commission responsibilities, contact Department Director Henry Perezalonso at 925-314-3454 or hperezalonso@danville.ca.gov.

 Creation of Bicycle Advisory Commission      

A Bicycle Advisory Commission of the Town of Danville is hereby established.  The Commission shall consist of six (6) regular members, one of whom shall be a Youth Commissioner as defined in Section 2-15.11 below.

Qualifications

All members of the Commission shall have experience, training, occupation, or education demonstrating a knowledge of and interest in bicycling.  Members of the Commission shall represent an inclusive cross-section of interests in bicycling such as recreational cyclists (road and mountain biking), commuters, families, seniors and youth, and merchants interested in cycling and cycling safety.

Powers and Duties

Advise the Town Council and Town Staff on matters related to:

1. Implementation of the Town’s Bicycle Master Plan;
2. Conditions, operations and safety of existing bicycle facilities and other non-motorized forms of transportation;
3. Review of proposed bicycle-related policies, programs, projects, plans, funding applications, and legislation;
4. Coordination with the public including bicycle-related organizations, the business community, and other local agencies to promote cycling projects and programs; and
5. Development and dissemination of bicycle awareness and education materials to the community.

Term of Office

For the initial five appointments to the Commission except the Youth Commissioner, two of the members shall be appointed to two-year terms and three shall be appointed to four-year terms.  All subsequent appointments shall be for four-year terms.  The term of the Youth Commissioner shall be two years.

Time and Place of Regular Meetings

The Commission shall hold at least one regular quarterly meeting.  The Commission shall fix the time and place of its regular meetings by resolution and may call special meetings as necessary.  All meetings of the Commission are open to the public and the Commission shall give notice of its meetings as required by law.

Absence from Meetings

If a member of the Commission is absent without cause from three (3) consecutive regular meetings of the Commission, that member’s office shall be vacant automatically. The Commission shall immediately notify the Town Council of the vacancy. A member is not absent without cause if that member’s absence is (1) due to illness or (2) unavoidable, and the member gives the Secretary of the Commission notice before the day of the regular meeting at which the member will be absent and giving the reason for the absence. 

Removal or Vacancy

A member of the Commission may be removed by a majority vote of the Council.  A vacancy is filled in the same manner as the original appointment.  A person appointed to fill a vacancy serves for the remainder of the unexpired term.  

No Compensation

Members of the Commission shall not receive compensation for their attendance at Commission meetings but are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses actually incurred in the course of their duties, provided that such reimbursement shall first be approved by the Town Council. 

Adoption of Rules

The Commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of its business and shall keep a public record of its resolutions, transactions, findings, and determinations. 

Residency Requirement

All members of the Commission shall be residents of the Town of Danville.

Qualifications and Role of Youth Commissioner

The Town Council shall appoint a Youth Commissioner to serve on the Commission to represent the interests of Danville youth. The Youth Commissioner shall be a Danville resident of high school age. The Youth Commissioner shall have the same obligations and authority of all other commissioners.

Officers and their Duties

The Commission shall elect a Chair and Vice-Chair from among its members. The Chair and the Vice-Chair serve for a term of one (1) year and until the successor of each is appointed and qualified.  The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Commission, shall appoint committees of the Commission as needed, and shall perform such additional duties as are necessary and incidental to the office.  The Vice-Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair on such occasions as the Chair shall be unavailable or unable to perform such duties.

Brown Act and Conflicts of Interest

The Commission shall be subject to and conduct its business in compliance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, California Government Code, Section 54950 et seq. The members of the Commission shall be subject to the provisions of the Town’s Conflict of Interest Code.

If you have questions or need additional information on Commission responsibilities, contact Transportation Manager Allan Shields at 925-314-3374 or ashields@danville.ca.gov.

 Creation of Bicycle Advisory Commission      

A Bicycle Advisory Commission of the Town of Danville is hereby established.  The Commission shall consist of six (6) regular members, one of whom shall be a Youth Commissioner as defined in Section 2-15.11 below.

Qualifications

All members of the Commission shall have experience, training, occupation, or education demonstrating a knowledge of and interest in bicycling.  Members of the Commission shall represent an inclusive cross-section of interests in bicycling such as recreational cyclists (road and mountain biking), commuters, families, seniors and youth, and merchants interested in cycling and cycling safety.

Powers and Duties

Advise the Town Council and Town Staff on matters related to:

1. Implementation of the Town’s Bicycle Master Plan;
2. Conditions, operations and safety of existing bicycle facilities and other non-motorized forms of transportation;
3. Review of proposed bicycle-related policies, programs, projects, plans, funding applications, and legislation;
4. Coordination with the public including bicycle-related organizations, the business community, and other local agencies to promote cycling projects and programs; and
5. Development and dissemination of bicycle awareness and education materials to the community.

Term of Office

For the initial five appointments to the Commission except the Youth Commissioner, two of the members shall be appointed to two-year terms and three shall be appointed to four-year terms.  All subsequent appointments shall be for four-year terms.  The term of the Youth Commissioner shall be two years.

Time and Place of Regular Meetings

The Commission shall hold at least one regular quarterly meeting.  The Commission shall fix the time and place of its regular meetings by resolution and may call special meetings as necessary.  All meetings of the Commission are open to the public and the Commission shall give notice of its meetings as required by law.

Absence from Meetings

If a member of the Commission is absent without cause from three (3) consecutive regular meetings of the Commission, that member’s office shall be vacant automatically. The Commission shall immediately notify the Town Council of the vacancy. A member is not absent without cause if that member’s absence is (1) due to illness or (2) unavoidable, and the member gives the Secretary of the Commission notice before the day of the regular meeting at which the member will be absent and giving the reason for the absence. 

Removal or Vacancy

A member of the Commission may be removed by a majority vote of the Council.  A vacancy is filled in the same manner as the original appointment.  A person appointed to fill a vacancy serves for the remainder of the unexpired term.  

No Compensation

Members of the Commission shall not receive compensation for their attendance at Commission meetings but are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses actually incurred in the course of their duties, provided that such reimbursement shall first be approved by the Town Council. 

Adoption of Rules

The Commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of its business and shall keep a public record of its resolutions, transactions, findings, and determinations. 

Residency Requirement

All members of the Commission shall be residents of the Town of Danville.

Qualifications and Role of Youth Commissioner

The Town Council shall appoint a Youth Commissioner to serve on the Commission to represent the interests of Danville youth. The Youth Commissioner shall be a Danville resident of high school age. The Youth Commissioner shall have the same obligations and authority of all other commissioners.

Officers and their Duties

The Commission shall elect a Chair and Vice-Chair from among its members. The Chair and the Vice-Chair serve for a term of one (1) year and until the successor of each is appointed and qualified.  The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Commission, shall appoint committees of the Commission as needed, and shall perform such additional duties as are necessary and incidental to the office.  The Vice-Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair on such occasions as the Chair shall be unavailable or unable to perform such duties.

Brown Act and Conflicts of Interest

The Commission shall be subject to and conduct its business in compliance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, California Government Code, Section 54950 et seq. The members of the Commission shall be subject to the provisions of the Town’s Conflict of Interest Code.

If you have questions or need additional information on Commission responsibilities, contact Transportation Manager Allan Shields at 925-314-3374 or ashields@danville.ca.gov.

Danville Youth Poet 

The Town Council created the Youth Poet position in April 2022 to serve as a public advocate for the appreciation and advancement of the literary arts, particularly poetry, reading poetry for civic events and dedications.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Youth Poet include the following:

(a)       create and read poetry for civic events and activities, as invited by the Town Council;

(b)       serve as a liaison between the Arts Commission and local literary organizations; and,

(c)       act as a resource on the topic of poetry.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet the following qualifications:  Danville resident of high school age.

Term of Office

The term of office of the Youth Poet is two (2) years, unless otherwise determined by the Town Council. 

Compensation

The Youth Poet does not receive compensation for their services or attendance at meetings and events. 

Residency Requirement

The Youth Poet must be a resident of the incorporated boundaries of the Town of Danville.

WATER OPERATOR – Two Positions Available

Utilities Department, Operations Division, Water Section
$6,238.33 – $8,777.83 Monthly Plus Excellent Benefits

The final three steps (Step F, Step G, and Step H) included in the salary range listed above are available to employees in this job classification after completion of five years of service (Step F), ten years of service (Step G), and 15 years of service (Step H), one year at the prior step, and a good performance evaluation. Initial salary placement is typically at the entry point of the range unless the candidate has prior lateral work experience which may warrant initial placement at a higher step. 

Opportunity to work a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off. 

To foster teamwork and collaboration in the department, organization wide, and in the community, this full-time position works on-site/in-person. 

The City of Gilroy is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Join our team! 

ABOUT THE POSITION
Are you passionate about public service and protecting one of our community’s most vital resources – clean reliable drinking water? The City of Gilroy is seeking a skilled and motivated Water Operator to paly a key role in operating, maintaining, and improving the City’s water distribution and treatment systems. 

In this hands-on and highly impactful role, you will work under the general supervision of the Water Systems Superintendent, perform and lead journey level duties associated with the operation, construction and maintenance of the water system. The Water Operator has advanced understanding of operating the water system in a safe and sustainable manner, including the use of Supervisory Controls and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems as well as an understanding of water quality requirements. The Water Operator may also take direction from a Senior Maintenance Worker. This is a non-exempt classification represented by the AFSCME, Local 101, General Unit. 

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced water professional who values safety, teamwork, and excellence in service, and who wants to make a real difference every day for the residents and businesses of Gilroy. 
 

THE DIFFERENCE YOU’LL MAKE

As a Water Operator, your work directly safeguards public health, fire protection, and quality of life for the Gilroy community. You will ensure safe, high-quality drinking water for thousands of residents and support sustainable water system operations and regulatory compliance. Additionally, you will respond to emergencies and service needs that keep the City running smoothly and help maintain critical infrastructure that supports growth and resilience. Your expertise and dedication will be visible in every hydrant that flows, every meter that reads accurately, and every system that operates safely – often behind the scenes, but always essential.

THE TEAM AND DEPARTMENT
The Water Section is dedicated to providing high quality water and reliable services to our customers in a safe and timely manner. We promote smart, long-term and sustainable use of water resources. We accomplish this by managing our resources, utilizing practical technologies and providing employees with opportunities for growth and achievement.

CANDIDATE PERSPECTIVE
The City of Gilroy is committed to developing it’s employees. As a Water Operator, you’ll have opportunities to expand your certifications, technical expertise, and receive ongoing regulatory, safety, and leadership training. You will learn advanced SCADA, telemetry, and water quality technologies, gain experience in budgeting, contract oversight, and plan review. Whether you’re strengthening your technical mastery or building leadership skills, this role offers meaningful professional growth in a supportive public service environment. 

Working for Gilroy means being part of a collaborative organization that values integrity, respect, and teamwork. The City invests in it’s employees through training, career development, and a supportive work environment where your expertise is recognized and your contributions matter. With a strong focus on safety, infrastructure reliability, and customer service, Gilroy empowers its Utilities professionals to take pride in their work and make decisions that positively impact the community every day. 

EXAMPLES OF FIRST YEAR PROJECTS/ASSIGNMENTS:

• Learn Gilroy’s water distribution and treatment systems, including wells, reservoirs, pump stations, SCADA operations. 
• Support the development of Gilroy’s valve exercising and hydrant flushing program, including record keeping. 
• Assist with Gilroy’s Steel Service Replacement program and keep the project on schedule for completion by July 1, 2028
• Complete required training and work toward Grade I Water Treatment Operator certificate and Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certificate (if not already possessed).